While some countries have strong programs against
illiteracy, others still do not care that much. But, illiteracy has become
a big obstacle during the last century and is still problematic question
now with quick development of technology and automation. From my everyday
experience and observation I can state several factors which defend the
statement that reading and writing now is more important than ever before.

First of all, it is essential for a person to have at least basic knowledge
of reading and writing to survive in our society. While in the past, some
people could live in wilderness or even in cities without any knowledge of
written language, now it is almost impossible. The way of living has
change so much that it is impossible to be a part of nation, especially in
developed countries, without ability to read and write your bills, to
understand your mortgage documents or job applications. Moreover, you can
go nowhere by yourself but in your own small town without reading

the
maps and signs on the roads and in cities.

Second, nowadays, most of jobs require reading and writing as necessary
skills and tendency that these skills will be more and more important for
future jobs increases. In fact, because of sharp development of
technology, more of jobs on the labor market are for literate people and
less of them are for people without any or slight reading or writing
knowledge. For example, there are not needed so much people who can work
on lands or select parts in auto-factories because the machines do that
kinds of jobs now. On the other hand, factories and corporations need
people who can read the instructions and control the machines. It is bare
true that without jobs that need only physical abilities, illiterate
people are forced to be constantly on unemployment lists.

In conclusion, the most scare part of living illiterate in our society
is maybe living dependable of someone. A illiterate person will have
difficulties not only to do simple tasks such as writing bills,
withdrawing money from cash machines, or reading menu in a restaurant, but
also to be a productive and useful individual of our society with job and
normal life.